The source,composition and flux of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of the river Derwent,Derbyshire, U.K.

To observe the rate of degradation of refuse and to assess the rate of pollution below a landfill, the concentration of total C, volatile content, COD, humified C, humic acids (HA) and fulvic acids (FA) in solid waste samples were analyzed. The samples were obtained by field drilling at increasing depths. The volatile content, organic C and COD decreased with the depth of the refuse and their variability was related to the decomposition processes of refuse. High coefficient of determination (r ²) values indicated a positive relationship between the results of total C, humified C, HA and FA. The concentration of organic substances in the soil below the landfill is lower than in the soil outside the landfill site.